Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Josiah Booker

Josiah Booker is a senior on the Booker High football team. Booker, a wide receiver/running back, has 45 catches for 739 yards and six touchdowns, plus 29 carries for 290 yards and five touchdowns. Booker had 95 rushing yards and a touchdown Nov. 24 in the Tornadoes' 38-32 win over Bishop Verot High in the Class 2S regional finals. 

When did you start playing football?

I've played as long as I can remember, since I was 5 years old. My older brother (Joshua Booker) played football and I wanted to play, too. It has always been my dream. 

What is the appeal to you?

You can have fun in so many different ways with football. You don't even have to be in the game. You can have fun on the sideline. That's what I love about it. It creates bonds with your teammates.

What is your best skill?

I can run past people. (Laughs.) Speed is one of my best abilities. God has blessed me with that. 

What have you been working to improve this season?

My footwork and getting out of my breaks faster. I don't weigh a lot, so my coaches wanted me to always be faster than the man in front of me. Having better footwork helps with that. 

What is your favorite memory?

It has to be last game. This is my first time going deep in the playoffs like this. It's special. It was a big moment for us. I watch film all the time, so I knew we could match (Bishop Verot's) talent. It was about us going and playing our hearts out. 

What is your favorite food?

I love hibachi. Chicken, steak, vegetables, rice with yum yum sauce. That's why I was so sad that they closed Jo-To (Japanese Steak House) on Tamiami Trail. 

What is your favorite movie?

"Gridiron Gang." I relate to a lot of things that happen in that movie. 

What is your favorite school subject?

Math. I have been lucky to have cool math teachers in math, even in middle school and elementary school. That has helped a lot. 

What are your hobbies?

I like fashion. I like to dress up and create clothes, like streetwear. I also like to draw. 

Which superpower would you pick?

Super strength. That's one of the things I don't have. (Laughs.) 

What is the best advice you have received?

Never let anybody tell you that you can't do something. Put in the work and fight for what you want. And be who you are at all times. 

Finish this sentence: "Josiah Booker is …"

COOL, in all caps.